He Whakaputanga & Today: Unity is the Strongest Weapon

A Growing Threat to Māoridom

By Dr Harpreet Singh | drhsinghnz.substack.com | FB: @DrHSinghNZ

In 1835, Māori rangatira used unity as a shield. Through He Whakaputanga, they affirmed Māori authority in this land and rejected outside rule. Today, as Te Tiriti protections face organised pressure from the political right, that lesson is urgent. Unity across iwi, hapū, and Māori organisations, backed by pūtea (financial resources) and strategy, is how Māori defend Te Tiriti in Parliament and beyond.

The United Tribes of New Zealand

In 1835, Māori rangatira signed He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni, the Declaration of Independence. This was more than a statement of sovereignty. It was an act of collective unity. Facing growing European settlement, lawlessness among traders, and the looming risk of foreign annexation, Māori leaders recognised that fragmented authority left them exposed. In response, they formed the United Tribes of New Zealand, asserting shared mana and safeguarding rangatiratanga in a rapidly evolving world.

The Parallel Threat Today

Nearly two centuries later, the same lesson applies. Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the rights derived from it are under pressure. Right-wing forces, including lobby groups like Hobson’s Pledge and political parties such as ACT, National, and New Zealand First, are promoting policies designed to reduce Māori representation. ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill sought to redefine Treaty rights and force a referendum. Meanwhile, these parties have backed decisions to abolish the Māori Health Authority, remove Māori wards, and dismantle co-governance models. Their actions show how quickly Treaty gains can be dismantled when right-wing groups act in concert.

Why Unity is Critical

Division weakens Māori power. In 1835, unity gave rangatira international recognition and political strength. Today, it is just as vital. Iwi, hapū, and influential organisations like the Māori Council, National Iwi Chairs Forum, and NUMA must stand together.

Māori unity must go beyond words. It requires political solidarity and pūtea, resources to fund lobbying, legal challenges, and campaigns in Parliament. Treasure fuels the fight where decisions are made. Political unity sets the course; financial contribution drives it forward.

When Māori unite, sharing strategy, pooling resources, and speaking with one voice, they shape the future of Aotearoa. When they do not, others will. He Whakaputanga reminds us that rights do not survive on goodwill alone. They survive when people act collectively and decisively.

Unity is more than a slogan. It is strategy in action. In 1835, collective Māori power protected sovereignty. In today’s climate, collective Māori power is needed to protect Te Tiriti for future generations. The question remains: will Māori unite to defend Treaty commitments, or allow them to be defined and diminished by others?